Man Utd Away Kit 2008

The new Man Utd Away Kit 2008 has been revealed hot on the heels of the Manchester United Double Champions season. The new Man Utd away shirt for the 2008 2009 season is a departure from the black Man Utd away kit from last season.

The new Man Utd away kit 08 is predominantly white on blue. We’re never keen on blue but it does look good. The 2008 Manchester United away shirt is white with the AIG logo in blue with a red flash on the collar. The new Man Utd away kit is made up with blue shorts and white socks with blue trim.

The Man Utd away kit 2008 09 will be worn for the first time on the teams’ pre-season tour of South Africa. The Double Champions of last season will play the Kaizer Chiefs on July 19th in Cape Town before travelling on to Durban for a match with Orlando Pirates on July 22nd.

The Man Utd away kit 08 09 is likely be worn for the first time in the Premiership when Manchester United take on Liverpool at Anfield on 13th September.

The Man Utd away kit 08 09 release date is set for 18th July 2008.

You can order the new Man Utd away shirt from Kitbag NOW Click Here.

Adebayor test for Vidic

THE Serbian man mountain and the Togo express train are on a collision course in the FA Cup’s biggest showdown of the fifth round at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Rio: Rooney can lift us

BRUISED United are recovering from their demoralising derby defeat and Wayne Rooney can be the man to help the healing process.

Ronaldo ‘fined’ for texts

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has reportedly been fined £8,000 for texting during a training session.

Fergie keeps the faith

SIR Alex Ferguson says Manchester United are not out of the title race despite losing ground to Arsenal this week.

Giggs hails Reds steel

RYAN Giggs is confident Manchester United’s “ugly” side will prove decisive in their Barclays Premier League title race with Arsenal.

Derby reaction

UNITED suffered their second derby defeat of the season against City on Sunday, and here you can watch former Red Frank Stapleton and journalist Andy Mitten give their views on the defeat.

Why Roo’s so crucial

WAYNE Rooney should be banned from head tennis, kept in isolation away from anyone carrying a winter virus and have his boots reinforced if United’s Treble bid is to be revived.

Neville can win hardest battle

PAUL Parker understands Gary Neville’s injury nightmare, but reckons the United skipper will come through his ordeal on the sidelines.

Reds to tour SA

UNITED will travel to South Africa this summer to play in the Vodacom Challenge.

Wenger cool as Gunners go clear

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger is playing down his side’s title hopes despite the Gunners opening up a five point gap over United at the top of the table, while Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard has told his team-mates to forget first place.

Neville brushes off injury fears

UNITED captain Gary Neville insists he will return to action amid speculation his current injury problems could end his career.

United v City: Player ratings

FIND out how we rated the Reds for their performance in the 2-1 loss against City.

Manucho takes a break

ON-LOAN United striker Manucho has been left out of the Panathinaikos squad to face Rangers at Ibrox following his African Nations Cup exploits, while the Fabio Quagliarella rumours rumble on.

United 1 City 2: Verdict

IT had all been so fitting. Then the match started! Derby day was the final event of the Munich tribute programme which United had put so much effort into.

Giggs: We didn’t deserve it

RYAN Giggs confesses that it was a no-show from the real United in the derby and the Reds got what they deserved.

Manchester Phoenix Family Ticket Offer

The M.E.N. are proud sponsors of Manchester Phoenix, and are giving away a number of family tickets to those who would really like to experience Ice Hockey for the first time.

Queiroz rues slow start

UNITED’S assistant manager Carlos Queiroz admitted his side’s slow start to the match was one of the decisive factors in their 2-1 defeat against City.

Newcastle 1-5 Man Utd

Two goals each from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney help Manchester United beat Newcastle and close the gap on leaders Arsenal to three points.

Neville makes fresh comeback bid

Manchester United defender Gary Neville plays 60 minutes for the club’s reserves against Liverpool.

Rooney misses out on award

Barnsley goalkeeper Luke Steele is voted as the FA Cup “Player of the Round” for the fifth round.

Uefa waits for reports on ‘laser’

Uefa awaits reports from officials before deciding on any action after Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted by a laser beam at Lyon.

Ferguson fury over Brown agent

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson hits out at football agents after getting no closer to a contract extension with Wes Brown.

Giggs may become Utd coach

Sir Alex Ferguson could offer Ryan Giggs a coaching role at Manchester United once the Welshman stops playing.

Lyon 1-1 Man Utd

Carlos Tevez grabs a crucial away goal for Manchester United late on after Karim Benzema’s superb strike for Lyon.

Ferguson upbeat over Euro hopes

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident of progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals after the draw in Lyon.

Why Edwards was king

BBC Sport pays tribute to Munich crash victim Duncan Edwards

Archive pictures

Photographic archive of the Manchester United team of 1958

Giggs hits European milestone

Sir Alex Ferguson pays tribute to Ryan Giggs’ professionalism ahead of the midfielder’s 100th Champions League appearance for Man Utd.

Headlines wherever you are

Get all the news from your favourite club on your mobile phone.

Man Utd’s day of tragedy

The 1958 Munich air disaster claimed the lives of 23 people

Busby Babes remembered

BBC Sport’s Jimmy Armfield on the talent lost at Munich in 1958

Your say - 606

The latest Man Utd content and debate on 606

Who Put The Ball In The German’s Net? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer!

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “The Baby Faced Assassin” announced his retirement from football today. He joined Manchester United in 1996 for £1.5 million (that’s not a typo - it was only one and a half million pounds!) and went on to score 126 goals in 366 appearances for the club.

ManUBlog would like to pay our own tribute to a true Man United Legend. Ole’s finest hour came in the 1999 Champions League Final, I think you can guess what happens next…..

I know Alan Green is a Liverpool supporter but his commentary describing Ole’s winning goal still puts a huge grin on my face!

Solskjaer scored important goals in big games throughout his career, often coming off the bench late in games, he earned the reputation as a super-sub. He scored an unheralded late winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup in United’s treble winning season of 1999. Another highlight was when he scored 4 goals in the last 20 minutes as a second half substitute in a 8-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Ole has never put a foot wrong in his time at Old Trafford, showing unstinting loyalty to the team and his manager. There have been many occasions in his career where he could have felt a bit hard done to, being left on the bench when he deserved a starting place on merit. He’s a modest and unassuming man, not once did he moan or gripe to the press, he just let his feet do the talking by continuing to bang in the goals.

It’s a shame Ole has suffered so much with injury, he had shown tremendous strength of character to get himself fit and playing again last season and I hoped we would get to see him for one more season. In the eyes of United fans, Solskjaer is a true legend and his name will be sung loud at Old Trafford forever. It has been reported that Ole will stay at the club, possibly as reserve team coach and there’s sure to be a sell out testimonial in the near future.

Ole, thanks for the great memories, all of us at ManUBlog wish you every success in the future.

Manchester United New Away Kit 2007/2008

The new Manchester United away kit for the 2007/2008 season will be officially launched on Thursday September 13th 2007.

The new Man Utd away kit looks great in black with red trim and a red stripe on the back.

Be one of the first to wear the fantastic new Manchester Utd away shirt, pre-order today CLICK HERE.

Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United claimed their first victory of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. The game seemed to be following a familiar pattern with United having the bulk of the possession without a cutting edge in attack. That was until Reds new boy Nani picked up the ball, advanced on goal and scored with a fabulous strike from 30 yards that flew past Spurs keeper Paul Robinson. Replays show that there was a slight deflection off the head of Carlos Tevez but that takes nothing away from the quality of the strike.

Nani’s first goal of the Premier League season could not have come at a better time, I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson won’t be giving the young Portugese star the hairdryer over his fantastic tumbling goal celebration this time - another goal-less draw may have meant curtains for United’s title challenge.

Tottenham Hotspur were unlucky, they battled well throughout, Robbie Keane hit the crossbar after only 20 seconds, they had two legitimate penalty claims turned down and Dimitar Berbatov put in a fantastic performance, showing why United have been so interested in him. The Bulgarian striker showed some great skill and movement in attack, showing the United fans what they are missing - he is just the type of player that is missing from the Reds line up at the moment.

Manchester United were restricted to long range goal efforts thoughout, Owen Hargreaves on his Old Trafford debut, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick all going close. Carlos Tevez ploughed a lone furrow at centre forward and was largely ineffective, there was a glaring lack of support for the Argentine striker and it’s clear Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are sorely missed.

Manchester City 1-0 Manchester Utd

Manchester United’s poor start to the 2007/2008 Premier League season went from bad to worse as they went down to a disappointing 1-0 to Manchester City at Eastlands. It’s United’s worst start to the season since 1992 and the worst ever start to a Premier League season by any defending champions.

The Manchester Derby followed a familiar pattern. As against Reading and Portsmouth, Man Utd dominated the match from the outset playing some great football, opening up the Blues defence at will. City barely crossed the halfway line in the first 30 minutes. Nani and Patrice Evra squandered several chances before Giovanni received the ball in Manchester City’s first meaningful attack. His shot from the edge of the area was deflected and flew into the corner of the net leaving Edwin Van Der Saar with no chance. The Brazilian was allowed space and time to run with the ball, Vidic did not close him down and then turned his back as the shot came in, the deflection off Vidic took the ball past the United keeper.

After the goal went in the Reds seemed to go into their shell, allowing City to get into the game. The Sir Alex Ferguson hairdryer must have been working overtime at the break. The second half saw United resume normal service as Vidic hit the bar with a header, and Tevez came close with a close-range chance near the end.

The matched ended with City victorious, but it was the most one-sided game I have seen in a while. Without seeming like a bitter Red, City were very lucky to finish with 3 points, they had their backs to the wall throughout.

United were missing Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Owen Hargreaves was given his first competitive start allowing Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick the license to roam forward. Carlos Tevez looked threatening on his own up front but was often second-best to a towering defensive performance from City’s Micah Richards. Nani’s performance was erratic, some great flicks but he should have taken one of his early chances and didn’t do enough in possession. The same can be said of Ryan Giggs.

Manchester United are playing some attractive attacking football and dominating possession, but possession counts for nothing if we can’t put the ball in the net. With the quality players in the squad, the Reds will come good, but we need to turn it round pretty quick before Chelsea build up too much of a gap.

Ronaldo Sent Off Against Portsmouth

It seems like deja vu all over again as referee Steve Bennett showed Cristiano Ronaldo the red card for the second time in Wednesdays match against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Bennett had sent Ronaldo off in a previous game against Manchester City in January last year. This time the offense was an apparent head butt. The replays are inconclusive but there does seem to be some pushing and shoving between Ronaldo and Portsmouth’s Richard Hughes as they are waiting for a corner. Ronaldo then squares up to Hughes and moves his head towards the player who then goes down like a sack of spuds! This all took place right in front of the referee, even with my red tinted specs on you can’t stick the head on an opponent and expect to stay on the pitch, so Bennett had little choice but to send the Manchester United winger off.

Having said that, I agree with Sir Alex Ferguson that Ronaldo was the victim of provocation, the lad gets lumps kicked out of him week in and week out - the stats show that he is the most fouled player in the Premier League. On this occasion he has risen to the bait and paid the ultimate punishment. Fergie was quoted as saying:

“Steve Bennett sent him off at City and he will have loved this opportunity to send him off, I have tried to look at the replay and there is nothing conclusive either way,” he said. “My take on it was he was provoked and has fallen for it. Cristiano was responsible for falling for the intimidation and he only has himself to blame.”

Bennett will no doubt be making himself a few bob on the after dinner circuit when he finishes with his stories about how he sent Ronaldo off not once but twice! Cristiano Ronaldo is now banned for 3 games and will miss Sunday’s derby against Manchester City - I’ll bet the Blue Noses are pleased about that one!

To see the full match report and video of Paul Scholes great goal CLICK HERE 

Portsmouth 1-1 Manchester United

Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth in a dramatic game which saw referee Steve Bennett show his red card on two occasions. Carlos Tevez made his debut for United, Sir Alex Ferguson being forced to put the Argentine in the starting line-up earlier than he would have liked following the foot injury suffered by Wayne Rooney in the season opener against Reading. Tevez received a fantastic reception from the Man Utd faithful who travelled to the south coast in their droves and he didn’t disappoint. Tevez showed typical strength and determination right from the first whistle, leading the attack in Uniteds new 4-2-3-1 formation, Nani, Ronaldo and Giggs playing behind Tevez with Carrick and Scholes playing the holding midfield role in front of the back four.

The first half was all Manchester United, showing attacking flair and clever movement. On 14 minutes Paul Scholes scored with a majestic finish from the edge of the area to cap a wonderful United attacking move. Nani’s break down the left gave us a glimpse of his skills and pace. He picked out Carlos Tevez in the penalty area with a precise low pass and the Argentine used his strength and touch to play a perfect lay off to Scholes who drilled the ball in to the corner.

United were beginning to enjoy themselves but didn’t capitalise on the chances they created, with Nani, Tevez, Vidic and Scholes going close. Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp made a couple of tactical changes at half time which resulted in his team becoming much more of an attacking threat. Portsmouth equalised from a Benjani header on 53 minutes and could well have snatched a winner after that in an exciting second half. The two dismissals came late on, first to go was Portsmouth’s Sulley Muntari for 2 bookable offences then Cristiano Ronaldo saw red a couple of minutes later following an apparent head butt on Richard Hughes.

Early impressions of Manchester United are still very positive, although this is the first time in the history of the Premier League that the Reds have failed to win one of their first two games. If you read some of the headlines you’de think there was a crisis! It is a long season and with the squad Fergie has built we will be there or there abouts when the silverware is being handed out. Anyway it’s Derby Day on Sunday, we’ll soon bring Sven and the City lot down to earth with a win at the council house!

Manchester United 0-0 Reading

Manchester United suffered a frustrating start to the new Premier League season being held to a goalless draw at Old Trafford by Reading. United were unable to break down a highly organised Reading side who put up a dogged defensive display, with goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann their star performer.

The first day got even worse when Wayne Rooney was forced to leave the field at half time with a hairline fracture to his foot, caused in a challenge with Reading defender Michael Duberry where Rooney came very close to openng the scoring, sending a close-range shot over the bar.

Sir Alex Ferguson picked a Man Utd starting line up that did not include any of his new summer signings, choosing to begin the defense of the Premiership title with many of the old-guard. Surprisingly, Mikael Silvestre started at left back with Patrice Evra pushed up play in a left wing role and Wes Brown deputised at right back for the injured Gary Neville. Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo looked very sharp, at the heart of most of the Reds attacking moves in the first half. United’s chances were mostly limited to long-range shots and Van der Saar was a virtual spectator as Reading set out to man-mark Rooney, Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs and didn’t bother with much attacking play at all. Giggs came closest to scoring with a left foot volley that hit the post.

Rooney’s injury resulted in the introduction of Nani for the second half, the new United signing from Sporting Lisbon showed some promising touches and linked up well with Ronaldo as Man Utd created more clear-cut chances. Nani went close with a fizzing shot that went narrowly wide and the Reading goalkeeper made saves from Carrick, Ronaldo, Paul Scholes and John O Shea who came on as a second half substitute to play as a makeshift striker! Reading were reduced to 10 men 17 minutes before the end when replacement striker Dave Kitson was sent off for a lunging challenge on Evra having come on tho the pitch only seconds before. United continued to push forward but could not break through the massed Reading defence and the game ended 0-0.

As a United fan who was sat in the Stretford End it is difficult to take many positives from the opening game, we did keep a clean sheet and Vidic had a towering performance at the back, but it is worrying that we couldn’t find a way through a Reading side that stuck to their defensive game plan throughout, and Rooney’s injury didn’t help, if he had been on the pitch I think United would have won. I remember last season’s opener against Fulham where we blew them away and were 4-0 up inside 20 minutes - there was none of that in this game. Let’s face it, United are the Champions and most teams will come to Old Trafford and play like Reading, it is up to us to break them down.

Rooney Breaks His Foot

Wayne Rooney suffered a hairline fracture to his left foot in Manchester United’s opening game of the new Premier League season against Reading at Old Trafford on Sunday. As if the frustrating goalless draw wasn’t enough it is likely that Rooney will be out for at least six to eight weeks.

Rooney looked very sharp in the first half against Reading with a couple of scoring chances and some terrific link up play. He hobbled away from a challenge with Reading defender Michael Duberry and was unable to run it off. The extent of the injury was clear when Rooney removed his boots and trudged off the pitch at half time. I feel sorry for him because we were all expecting Rooney to be a pivotal player for Man Utd this season, having completed his first full pre-season since arriving at the club.

Sir Alex Ferguson will now be forced to introduce Carlos Tevez earlier than expected, there is a shortage of cover in the striking department since Rossi and Smith left in the summer and Saha is perpetually injured. Having spent £50 million in the summer, John O Shea played 30 minutes as a makeshift striker against Reading.

Ferguson Should Have Signed Carlos Tevez Last Season

Carlos Tevez has become a Manchester United player at long last after the most protracted and exasperating transfer saga in history. He has signed on a preliminary two-year loan deal.

As previously reported on ManUBlog, Manchester United were offered the Argentina striker a year ago but declined due to concerns over the structure of any potential deal. This has proved to be a justifiable decision after what has happened with West Ham, but surely the Man Utd legal hot-shots would have been able to come up with an acceptable arrangement?

Sir Alex Ferguson, when commenting on his new summer signings has been quoted as saying:

“In his year at West Ham, Tevez proved himself to be an absolutely top player.

“Every time I saw him playing for West Ham last year, I thought to myself, I just wish we had done it last year.

“But there were too many complications at the time.”

City Player Turns Up At Wrong Manchester Training Ground

Manchester City’s new signing Rolando Bianchi turned up at the wrong training ground the other day. He was collected by car from his hotel and he instructed the driver to take him to City’s training ground - but he was dropped off at Manchester United’s Carrington training base instead! Classic! Can you imagine the reaction of the United players and staff when this clown turned up at the door - I hope he was sent packing in no uncertain terms!

Carlos Tevez Set To Make Manchester United Debut This Week

The most protracted Manchester United transfer saga ever has finally come to an end and it looks like Carlos Tevez will appear in a Red shirt for the first time in a friendly match this week, having trained with his new United teammates last Friday.

With the new Premier League season set to begin next weekend, Manchester United take part in two friendly matches on Wednesday 8th August, at Irish side Glentoran and in Scotland against Dunfermline Athletic. It is unclear which game Tevez will take part in - watch this space!

As previously reported on ManU Blog, we have concerns over the similarities between Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney. Sir Alex Ferguson has said that this will not stop the two players lining up together in the same team,

“Both are of a similar physique, both are two-footed, both are quickish, both can beat a man — I don’t think it’s a bad thing to have these similarities.”

This does remain to be seen but Tevez will certainly provide another dimension to the Manchester United squad.

Manchester United Win FA Community Shield On Penalties

The first FA Community Shield match back at the new Wembley Stadium had the air of a pre-season friendly about it as the players strolled around in the hot sunshine. A largely uneventful game ended in a 1-1 scoreline with Manchester United winning the penalty shoot-out 3-0, Edwin Van Der Saar saved 3 penalties in a row.

However, a win is a win and the Reds have got their hands on the first piece of silverware of the new season. Hopefully the first of many!

A fine cross from Patrice Evra picked out Ryan Giggs in the penalty area and Giggsy scored his first goal at Wembley with a belting finish.

United looked the better team throughout, moving the ball around well and creating the best of the chances. The most pleasing factor in the game was the Manchester United team selection, the starting line-up did not include any of the new summer signings, Nani, Hargreaves and Anderson were all missing and their replacements showed the strength in depth of the squad. Manchester United definitely look a better team than last season but let’s not get carried away - there are many tougher tests to come!

Manchester United 2 Inter Milan 3

A record crowd for a pre-season friendly match at Old Trafford saw Manchester United suffer their first defeat of the summer campaign in a highly entertaining encounter. Following the below par standard of the opponents in the 4 games on United’s Far East tour, Inter Milan offered much sterner opposition. The Italians exposed alarming frailties in the Manchester United defense with some swift counter-attacking play from Luis Figo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring on 17 minutes with a cool finish from a Patrice Evra cross. The remainder of the first half was all Inter, the Serie A champions scored 3 goals in 14 minutes in a blistering spell where the Manchester United midfield was overrun and central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic looked highly vulnerable. Several instances of sloppy play from Evra did not help the cause either, if he carries on with performances like this Gabriel Heinze may well get his place at left back.

With the big name summer signings Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson all watching from the stands with the injured Paul Scholes, this was in no way Manchester United’s strongest team and it’s better to get the defensive mistakes out of the way before the season proper gets underway. The players stepped it up after the break and United looked much better in the second half showing some fantastic flowing football on the break reminiscent of last season.

Manchester United Fixtures 2007/2008

Date	Type	Match	Home/Away	KO
1st August 2007	Friendly	MAN UTD v Inter Milan	H	19:45
3rd August 2007	Friendly	Doncaster v MAN UTD	A	19:45
5th August 2007	FA Comm Shield	Chelsea v MAN UTD	Wembley	15:00
12th August 2007	Premier League	MAN UTD v Reading	H	16:00

Keep up to date with all Manchester United matches, fixtures and results with ManUBlog:

You can subscribe to the ManU Blog RSS Feed or subscribe to ManU Blog via email

Manchester United New Home Kit 2007/2008

The new Manchester United kit for the 2007/2008 season will be officially launched on Wednesday August 1st 2007 to coincide with the United’s pre-friendly match against Inter Milan at Old Trafford, kick-off 8.00pm.

You will have seen the team playing in the new Manchester United shirt 2007/2008 on their current highly successful Asia Tour.

The new Man Utd kit can be yours to own today, be one of the first to wear the fantastic new Manchester Utd home shirt.

Guangzhou Pharmaceutical 0 Manchester Utd 3

Manchester United finished their Far East pre-season tour with another convincing win, this time over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical, who sound like they should sponsor a team in the Tour De France! Nani (minus his flamboyant somersault celebration) was again impressive, scoring the second goal with a superb chip.

Although the tour was an undoubted success, with United scoring 15 goals in the 4 friendly matches, there are some injury worries in the squad before the start of the season proper. Ryan Giggs and Edwin van der Saar suffered knocks, joining Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes on the injury list. We should have a big enough squad to handle, it so on with the goals!

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring early on from the penalty spot.

Nani increased United’s lead with a sublime chip which bounced in off the post leaving the goalkeeper stranded. Sir Alex Ferguson has warned him about his trademark somersault celebration and he seems to have listened, deciding to race away without a back-flip in sight. Shame… I was looking forward to seeing him do that at Old Trafford, but I suppose we don’t want to spend £17 million and see him break his leg doing his tumbling antics!

Lee Martin completed the scoring just after half-time with a terrific 25-yard strike. Pick that one out!

Pre order your United kit for the new season

Wayne Rooney Can’t Wait For The New Season

Following his first full summer break in four years, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is raring to go for the new football season. Sir Alex Ferguson predicts that Rooney will take his game to a different level at United in the 2007/2008 season. He has looked very good playing a full part in United’s Far East Tour, showing strength, eagerness and an eye for goal with a sublime chip in the game with Shenzhen.

His international suspension which meant he couldn’t play for England in their Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia in June meant he has not played football since the FA Cup Final in May. This augers well for Manchester United in the forthcoming season because he will have the benefit of his first full proper pre-season since he joined the club. Sir Alex Ferguson has been quoted as saying:

“Wayne’s incredible, a very strong character and he will be a big player next season, believe me. Wayne is the first to the training ground every morning. It’s unbelievable, but he just loves football and training.”

Rooney looks set to continue his stellar career with Manchester United, setting a great example with his work-rate and consistent performance levels. I think the fact he has been given the legendary Number 10 shirt with give him a bit of extra motivation as well.

Gabriel Heinze - Fan’s Hero To Zero

Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze, voted supporters player of the year in 2005, could find himself plummeting from fans
favourite to hate figure in the blink of an eye if the player and his advisors continue to push for his transfer to Liverpool. It’s all very well for Heinze to say that it is a dream move but he obviously does not understand what the fans reaction will be to such a deal - transfers between Manchester United and Liverpool just do not happen.

Even though the Merseysiders have been on the slide in recent years, the bitter rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool remains as stronger as ever. Heinze has played for United for 2 years now so surely he must know this, if not he needs his head testing! Sir Alex Ferguson has made it his position on the matter crystal clear,

“Heinze is not going to Liverpool as far as I am concerned”

The United manager has also expressed concern over the actions of Heinze’s agent, reading between the lines it seems there has been some tapping up going on.

Liverpool are growing more frustrated with United standing firm by continuing to block the transfer deal. Great news! Manchester United chief executive David Gill has said today,

“He is a contracted player for two years and unless we receive an offer which is acceptable to us as a club, he will remain with us.”

As United fans we all know that Heinze is a good player, and we should not sell any of our good players to Premiership rivals. But selling players to Liverpool - no way! It is great to see the club standing firm on the issue and not giving in to player power.

Will Ryan Giggs Break Appearance Record?

Ryan Giggs looks like he will get the chance to break the Manchester United all time appearance record currently held by Sir Bobby Charlton. Giggs is currently 43 behind Sir Bobby’s total of 759 games, but at 33 years of age he isn’t getting any younger and he has only 12 months left on his current contract. It is unlikely that he would be able to notch up the appearances required next season because he is sure to be rested more than in previous seasons to give the new summer signings more games.

Although United have said that there are no plans to open up any new contract negotiations with Giggs or team mate Paul Scholes, Sir Alex Ferguson has dropped some strong hints that both will be staying at the club for a long time to come, saying:

“The situation with them both is straightforward, they are both fantastic professionals who have looked after themselves properly. I don’t have any doubts about them. They are both going to be playing at a very high level well into their mid-30s, certainly next year and the year after.”

So how long can Ryan Giggs carry on? He has been a terrific player for Manchester United, a true legend and it will be great to see him beat Sir Bobby Charlton’s appearance record. He deserves a new contract to give him the opportunity to carry on playing as long as possible. What do you think?

Pre order your United kit for the new season

Paul Scholes Knee Injury

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been forced to fly home from the clubs pre-season Asian Tour with a knee injury picked up during the friendly match with FC Seoul last week. A scan has showed some possible cartilage damage and Scholes is to undergo an exploratory operation on his knee to see the extent of the problem.

Paul Scholes was instrumental in United winning the Premiership title last season but it looks like he will be ruled out for the start of this campaign, missing the rest of pre-season, the Community Shield match with Chelsea and possibly the opening match of the Premiership at Old Trafford against Reading.

Although Scholes will be a big miss in midfield for Manchester United, it will give Michael Carrick and new summer signing Owen Hargreaves a chance to play together in a run of games. What do you think?

Pre order your United kit for the new season

Shenzhen 0 Manchester United 6

Manchester United dished out a football lesson to Chinese side FC Shenzhen in their latest Asian Tour friendly match in Macau, hammering their hapless opponents 6-0. New Portuguese signing Nani made his United debut in midfield, scoring the third goal from the edge of the penalty area.

Manchester United dominated the game from the start with Christiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney both close to scoring before Ryan Giggs made it 1-0 in the 12th minute. The United captain couldn’t miss, tapping in from a Wayne Rooney cross.

Rooney got himself on the scoresheet on 20 minutes with a superb chip from 15 yards.

Nani scored 6 minutes later to make it 3-0 with a crisp right-foot shot from 20 yards out. The second half saw more of the same with a dominant Manchester United far too strong for Schenzhen, Ronaldo hit the bar with a free kick before John O’Shea slotted home on 55 minutes.

Two minutes later, a sweeping move covering the length of the pitch ended with Ronaldo tapping in from 6 yards. This goal shows the attacking flair of the United forward line, Nani powering from midfield to release Rooney who plays a perfect cross for Ronaldo to score.

The rout was completed on 64 minutes when Chris Eagles scored with a sweet dipping volley from 30 yards out.

Pre order your United kit for the new season

Nani Scores on United Debut

Nani scored in his first appearance in a Manchester United shirt. His excellent low shot from the edge of the penalty area helped in United’s 6-0 demolition of Shenzhen in the latest match of their Far East tour in Macau.

Nani celebrated his first Manchester United goal with a fantastic double somersault that is sure to become a regular attraction at Old Trafford when the new Premiership season begins in a few weeks time.

Pre order your United kit for the new season

FC Shenzhen 0 - 3 Manchester United (Nani)
Uploaded by MiP-1709

Nice Trick From Patrice Evra

We’re all glad to hear that Heinze is definitely NOT going to Liverpool, you wouldn’t see him doing this in a game either. A great piece of individual skill from Manchester United’s other left back Patrice Evra in the Asian Tour friendly match against FC Seoul. United won the game 4-0, a stroll in the park. Enjoy!!

FC Seoul 0 Manchester United 4

Manchester United sealed a convincing 4-0 victory over South Korean side FC Seoul in the second friendly match of United’s Asian tour. The Manchester United squad have received a fantastic reception in South Korea, most of the crowd at the game were kitted out in United colours!

Cristiano Ronaldo scored after only six minutes with a low shot from the edge of the box.

Chris Eagles made it 2-0 after 18 minutes, slotting home from the edge of the area. Nice flick from Ronaldo!

United new number 10 Wayne Rooney fired the third after 21 minutes, taking on the defender before pulling the trigger. The goalkeeper really should have saved it.

Patrice Evra completed the scoring to make it 4-0 on the hour mark from a lovely through ball from Ryan Giggs.

Jose Mourinho Human Cannonball!

Now Manchester United fans can fire the chosen one Jose Mourinho from a cannon!

Take a trip to the Stamford Bridge Circus Big Top and use your skill and dexterity to shoot Jose from your cannon, steer him into the balloons and land him in the bucket of water to earn points and climb the high score table. It could take some time to get the hang of it but remember, “Keep your chin up”!

Or you can just not bother with points and have hours of fun splatting Mourinho on the ground!

If you can think of anyone else who you would like to see receive the Cannonball treatment, leave a comment and I’ll see what I can do!

Alan Smith Gets Late Call Up For Tour Squad

Manchester United striker Alan Smith has been given a surprise call-up for the club’s tour of the Far East. He was widely expected to move on this summer but this seems to be last chance saloon for Smith to secure a new contract with United. Smith is one of only two strikers included in the Manchester United squad so he is virtually guaranteed a game alongside United’s new number 10, Wayne Rooney.

Sir Alex Ferguson has included several young players in his touring squad including Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans, who made such an impact in Sunderland’s promotion season together with Darron Gibson, Danny Simpson, Chris Eagles and Phil Bardsley. New boys Nani and Owen Hargreaves are also named in the squad for the tour, which takes in Japan, Korea, Macau and China. A list of the upcoming friendly fixtures can be found here.

Pre order your United kit for the new season

Heinze Says He Wants To Move On

As previously reported on ManU Blog, there have been persistent rumours regarding the future of Manchester United left-back at Old Trafford. He has been linked with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Juventus. Why would he want to go anywhere when he is at the best club in the world?

The 29-year old defender played for Argentina yesterday in the Copa America final and finished on the losing team. Argentina were favourites to lift the title and were well beaten 3-0 by a powerful Brazil side. The Argentine defence could not cope with the speed and power of the Brazilian counter attacks.

Heinze’s agent has apparently told Manchester United that he wants to move to another club, but United have had no firm offers for the player. Although it has been reported that Liverpool have matched the £6.8 million asking price. If he does want to go I wouldn’t like to see him transferred to another English team - least of all Liverpool! He is a versatile player and a solid defender though he has some short-comings going forward, I’m sure United will look to move him on to Spain or Italy rather than sell him to one of their Premiership rivals.

Following Argentina’s defeat in the Copa America final, Heinze is taking an extended holiday. He joined Manchester United from Paris St Germain in 2004 for a fee of £6.9m and has made a total of 75 appearances, scoring 4 goals.

Pre order your United kit for the new season

Park Injury Nightmare Continues

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji Sung is set to be sidelined for at least 6 months with a long-term knee injury. The hard-working South Korean international had an operation performed by well-known knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman in the United States at the end of last season on the knee injury he picked up in a match against Blackburn Rovers on 31st March. He now faces a long battle to regain his fitness and will not be available until December or January at the earliest.

This is a further blow for Park who had shown signs of becoming a regular in the Manchester United first team with some dynamic performances in midfield during last season. His fantastic work rate combined with increased goal scoring made him a good option for Sir Alex Ferguson, but Park has been persistently dogged by injury over the past couple of seasons.

Park has still travelled with the United squad for their tour, which takes in Japan, Korea, Macau and China. A list of the upcoming friendly fixtures can be found here.

Pre order your United kit for the new season

Manchester United Fixtures 2007/2008

The Manchester United pre-season Far East Tour is about to kick off with a hectic schedule of friendly matches.

Date